New York, NY – [June 25, 2024] – Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is proud to announce the establishment of The Üçok Family Scholarship Fund, created by Hikmet and Marilyn Üçok, and to introduce its first recipient for 2024, Evla Sim Saka. This scholarship fund aims to provide young Turkish women with opportunities to continue their secondary education in fields such as health sciences and special education within the United States, reflecting TPF’s commitment to giving young people opportunities through education.
The Üçok Family shares TPF’s belief in the transformative power of education. They envision a world where every girl, regardless of her background, is equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges. Their vision aims to enrich the lives of these scholars by offering them an immersive cultural experience in the United States, hoping that these young women will not only excel in their studies but also experience a world beyond their own and get inspired to embark on their own philanthropic journeys, lighting the way for others.
“Education is the key to shaping lives, and we embraced it to empower young minds to create a brighter future,” notes Hikmet and Marilyn Üçok.
Evla Sim Saka who graduated from SEV American College in Istanbul this Spring, will begin her undergraduate studies in Psychology at UCLA this fall. Grateful for the support, Evla shared, “This opportunity is a magical key unlocking doors I couldn’t even dream of opening on my own. The feeling of being freed from the constraints of financial hardship makes me feel so close to achieving my goals. With this scholarship, I’m going to concentrate on psychology with the most qualified people in the field and pioneer groundbreaking research, hoping to inspire humanity by showing the power of unconditional love and support. I am excited to reach my highest potential and will be forever grateful for TPF and the Üçok Family’s incredible generosity that provides me with limitless opportunities.”
Ulku Rowe, TPF Board member and a member of the selection committee, warmly welcomed Evla, stating, “Supporting the education of young Turkish women is not just an investment in their future but an investment in the future of our country. Heartfelt thanks to the Üçok Family for their generosity, and many congratulations to Evla as she embarks on her studies. Your success will inspire and pave the way for future generations.”
Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, Executive Director of TPF, added, “We are honored to partner with the Üçok Family in launching this scholarship fund. Their generosity and vision align perfectly with our mission to create opportunities for young minds. We believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to effect positive change, and we are excited to see how Evla and future recipients will benefit from this incredible opportunity.”
At TPF, we are proud to align with the Üçok Family in this remarkable endeavor, crafting a brighter, more inclusive future where young Turkish women are empowered by the promise of education and unique cultural experiences.
We look forward to following Evla’s educational journey and congratulate her on this exciting opportunity!